CNN TV
SCHEDULE ANCHORS & REPORTERS CONTACT US HLN



December 3, 2008
Posted: 03:11 PM ET

ALT TEXT

Chambliss (right) said that Palin had a huge impact on his win. (PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO)

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:

So much for that filibuster-proof majority for the Democrats in the Senate. Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss won yesterday’s run-off in Georgia. The best the Democrats can do now is 59 seats. The Minnesota race is still undecided. It was a much needed win for beleaguered Republicans coming off the beating they took on Election Day.

But perhaps the bigger story is Sarah Palin. The hockey mom-turned-Alaska governor-turned vice presidential candidate-turned national joke flew down to Georgia on Monday and campaigned for Chambliss to huge crowds at several events.

Chambliss said Palin had a huge impact on his win, “She came in on the last day, did a fly-around and, man, she was dynamite.”

Palin’s former runningmate John McCain also campaigned for Chambliss, as did former Republican presidential contenders Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani.

But it was Palin who may have given Chambliss the push he needed to win.

Here’s my question to you: What does Saxby Chambliss’s win in Georgia mean for Sarah Palin who went there to campaign for him?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Agnes from Scottsdale, Arizona writes:
Jack, it means that the South is solidly Republican and firmly “fly over” country. Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to progressive, forward-looking citizens of either party. This was her swansong. No doubt the GOP top dogs will put a lid on her, except when they’re afraid they can’t get a full audience at an event. She’s great at pulling in the dinosaurs!

Paula from Indiana writes:
It means “the base” loves her and that the rest of us, who find her circumlocutory speech patterns as abrasive as nails on a blackboard, are doomed to a future of listening to her butcher the English language. Dick Cavett hit the nail on the head when he called dubbed her, “The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla” in an article he wrote. It’s a great read!

Aaron writes:
Come on, Jack. A Republican won in a runoff election in Georgia. What did you expect?

Mac from Traverse City, Michigan writes:
Jack, it means that Georgia is still part of the “bass-ackwards” part of the country that supports right wing conservatism, and Sarah Palin can still find an audience in a state where the collective IQ is about 37.

Julianna from Biloxi, Mississippi writes:
It means nothing for her. She is self-absorbed, arrogant and doesn’t want to let go of her 15 minutes of fame. The GOP candidate in 2012 will be Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana. Besides, Pres.-Elect Obama hasn’t even started his term. Stop talking about Sarah Palin.

Jeff from Sturgis, Michigan writes:
It means that Palin didn’t hit the campaign trail early enough to damage Chambliss’s chances of winning the same way she damaged McCain’s chances in the general election.

Ondrya from San Fernando Valley, California writes:
It means that you can carry on your absolute total obsession for Sarah Palin for at least another day. Face it Super-Old-Dude. Don’t lie, you’ve got the hots for Caribou Barbie.

Filed under: Sarah Palin • Saxby Chambliss


KarenB, Florida   December 3rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

You haven’t seen the last of her. She was good candidate whether ones with blinders on choose to believe it or not.

Joe in DE   December 3rd, 2008 1:53 pm ET

It maens she might have a chance in 2 states - if she runs in the next year, can’t count on anything more..

Marie Ontario   December 3rd, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Hopefully it will mean Palin will be the new leader of the GOP which in turn will permanently relegate them to ash heap of American politics.

Laurie in Lawrence, KS   December 3rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

It means nothing. Georgia has always been very conservative. It was no surprise that Chamblis won. Bush could have probably campaigned for him.

Annie Naples FL   December 3rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

it means we are to be subjected to painful doses of her stupidity and distasteful rhetoric…hopefully Bobby jindal will take over the republicans and she will fade.

Dick B   December 3rd, 2008 1:55 pm ET

It should mean more juicy headlines if she left her family home alone for a while.

Terry from North Carolina   December 3rd, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Jack
Too early to tell, lets give her some time and see whether or not she can stay blunder free for awhile.

CJ in Atlanta, GA   December 3rd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Unfortunately there are enough people who vote that throw qualifications out the window and would support a candidate like Palin for President. Those same individuals turned out and voted for Chambliss, who has really accomplished nothing for Georgia during his time as Senator. But “don’tcha know”, he’s a good ole conservative and that makes him darndidly loveable!

Jason, Koloa, HI   December 3rd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

It says that there are still more radical right-wing evangelicals in Georgia with funny accents that like radical right-wing evangelicals with funny accents from Alaska. That’s about all it says. Thankfully, these people are still a minority in this country and a VAST minority on this planet.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   December 3rd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Jack: It means she is still in her “dreamscape” and she got to wear her RNC wardrobe again….there is absolutely no connection to Chambliss’s winning and Sarah Palin–all nothing but political pandering buy a former beauty queen.

Rose in Az   December 3rd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

It says she has a bright future ahead of her, she is young and vibrant and she can get a crowd going. She has a lot to learn but I am betting she can do it given a little more time.

Nuria   December 3rd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

It means now she really won’t just go away.

Joanne Buck   December 3rd, 2008 1:59 pm ET

I’m sure Sarah Palin assisted Chambliss in a postive way.
My God people seemed to ignore her 80% approval rating in Alaska, her cleaning up the scoundrals there. Many Americans preferred a slick talking person who has zero experience for President. Sad we lost two good leaders that would of cleaned house; McCain and Palin that is. We are now in for rougher times because of that.
Americans have invariably been fooled since 1960 however.
Joanne B
Minnesota

Ron in Oregon   December 3rd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

I hope it says we are rid of her. Do people really believe she was the catalyst for his win? He was ahead all the time. He was even whead at the time of the general election. They just have a stupid run-off rule in Georgia. I just don’t believe that she had all that much to do with his win. If so, it’s really sad what this country has become.

Larry from Georgetown, Texas   December 3rd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Her already large ego will get another boost which it doesn’t need. She believes she is ready to be Commander-In-Chief now so after this she’ll think she can be the leader of the free world or maybe the universe. I only wish she would submit to some real questions from the media and not just give stump speeches so the people would stop blowing smoke.

Janis, Lafayette, IN   December 3rd, 2008 2:01 pm ET

It means it is time for her to go back to Alaska and stay there.

Anne   December 3rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Not much. Georgia is not representative of the country as a whole.

Her far, far right views don’t resonate well nationally.

Anne
Texas

Bill from Medford, NJ   December 3rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Forget about what it means for Palin. There’s a sizeable fraction of the voters who think she’s the best thing since sliced bread. Think about what that means for us, God help us!

Charlie in Belen, New Mexico   December 3rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

It means that her political ambitions are gaining strength. We (in the lower 48), like it or not, haven’t seen the last of her.

Paulette,Dallas,PA   December 3rd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

It means that her fifteen minutes of fame has been extended to maybe eighteen!

Tyne from Boulder, Colorado   December 3rd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It means that Palin is the new Oprah! She was able to bring out huge conservative crowds in a really…red…state. Hmmm… really challenging right? Either way it won’t help her presidential run in 2012.

Lisa in Huntsville, Alabama   December 3rd, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I’m pretty sure it doesn’t mean anything except that she likes having her face on TV.

Jane (Minnesota)   December 3rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I think she’ll probably take more credit for his win than she really should. Georgia is a conservative state with mostly Repulican representation. It definitely will stoke her ego. She loves the limelight & the attention and will jump out there for attention anyway she can get it. Assist to the media on this one!

odessa   December 3rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

it means nothing!!..chambliss was going to win anyway regardless who came down there for his campaign..palin is still a nut like bush..who cares about her?..she says the word”um, like” so many times it makes me want to puke..obama has the white house,congress and senate..i want the rest of the democrats to start fighting back because none of the republicans aren’t coming on obama side..things must change for this country or things will remain worse..palin was preaching the same campaign speech, wearing the same new clothes, and talking about herself..stop talking about her and talk about other issues..

Larry in Florida   December 3rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

It means she’s still got it. She must be good at what she does because so many people are paying attention. She is something like Hillary. You either love her or you hate her. She will be around for awhile so Sarah haters, get used to it.

Dave P.   December 3rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Jack,

All it means is they won’t blame his loss on her. Don’t see how anyone can say without her he would have lost.

Dave
Iowa City, Iowa

joyce   December 3rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

I dont know who is more ignorant, her or the people in Georgia. Why doesn’t she go back to Alaska and crawl back under the rock she crawled out from under, back in September?

Tallahassee, FL

mitchell ,arkansaw   December 3rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

it means its time for her to put her baby polar bear mittens back on , and go home and stay.

Rich McKinney, Texas   December 3rd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Palin got more public attention by backing Chambliss and as long as she stays in the forefront of the media even if it is in a negative light then people will be talking about her. If they are talking about Palin then they are not talking about something or someone else. That will make a big difference in the next 4 years. That’s called politics. When they stop talking about you then you are through. Case in point. Where is John McCain at today? Umm Humm… Haven’t got a clue have you? This man was the next in line for the presidency with only one contender in his way. Today he is just dust in a world wind. Nobody knows and no body cares about him.

Mary - Boerne, TX   December 3rd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

It means she is still collecting a paycheck from the state of Alaska for doing absolutely nothing since she was asked to be McCain’s running mate. Good work if you can find it.

Ron In TX.   December 3rd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

One word Jack, Clout

David, Tampa, Fl   December 3rd, 2008 2:09 pm ET

It means nothing to Gov. Palin. This is a state that voted for McCain in the most recent election and will vote Republican in future elections. Remember, there will be elections in 2010 before the 2012 presidential elections. That election might be a better guage of her future than the Georgia election of 2008.

V.K. Raman   December 3rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

It means nothing excepting watching vacariously Chambliss celebrate his reentry in the Senate as an impotent senator who cannot stop any of the steps the majority senators take.

Marsha   December 3rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

NOthing she is a joke

don in naples, florida   December 3rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

nothing. the verdict has already been rendered on Sarah Palin. People are looking more seriously into issues rather than partisanship. And at this stage no politician has any guaranteed security in their government positions. It’s either serve the interests of the people, or you’re out.

Billy G in Las Vegas   December 3rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

doesn’t mean jack, Jack.

but I sure do hope she stays in the public spotlight and that the Republicans pick her as their Presidential candidate in 2012. maybe she would even pick Saxby Chambliss as here VP running mate. the 2008 “Geezer-Dingbat” ticket would then morph into “Dingbat-Draft Dodger 2012″

Melanie in IA   December 3rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Who knows, who cares, she is OLD NEWS.

Dave, Brooklyn, NY   December 3rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

This sad turn of events leaves me frightened that the short memories and attention spans of the voter will let them again vote for the “pretty face” with no substance behind it next time, as they have done in the past - regardless of how well Obama may do. The only reason Obama won is because the lousy Republican generated economy was in our faces on election day.

ed (centralia, wa.)   December 3rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

hi jack, this is another undeserving feather in her hat. she would do while for herself to go back to alaska and and finish the job that she was elected for. There should be some kind of penalty for not fulfilling the post that politicians are elected to.( how about repaying all the money that they recieved and a hefty fine.) ah hell, just deport them.

Precious Coker   December 3rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Nothing!!!!

Erik   December 3rd, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Jack,
It means that Republicans in Georgia will vote Republican during an election even if Bullwinkle is on the ballot. That is, if Bullwinkle survives hunting season in Alaska. As long as Sarah Palin runs as a Republican, she’d win any election in Georgia. However, that does not say much good about the state where I reside.

Erik
McDonough, GA

Ralph, Corpus Christi   December 3rd, 2008 2:18 pm ET

It means Palin, like Joe the plummer and George and Laura, will soon have a book to peddle. Gee, I’ll have such a tough decision to make as to which one I’m going to rush out and buy.

Ralph-Corpus Christi, texas

Kyle- DuPont, WA   December 3rd, 2008 2:19 pm ET

I do not think that it means as much for Palin as is does for Obama. She may have been able to pull in some last minute swing votes and it does mean that she has the wherewithall to pursue a future on the national stage. However, it is significant for Obama because it means there will be no fillibuster proof Senate and shows that though we support him, we do not want him to have carte-blanche authority.

Lee in TN   December 3rd, 2008 2:20 pm ET

I saw her on tv and she still seems to be on cloud nine.

Roxy   December 3rd, 2008 2:20 pm ET

It means that she is like a bad penny that keeps returning.

Bob in Lincoln NE   December 3rd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Nothing! Chambliss would have won irrespective if any of the pols showed up or not-particulary the huskie from Alaska. The sooner she disappears from the radar the better off the world will be.

Ameria Johnson   December 3rd, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Please don’t take the Chambliss win for anything more than it was. These people are waiting on the repeal of Civil Rights Act of 1964! When a representative votes against extending the Civil Rights Act and goes to the newspaper and brags about it…you have problems!
Only 30-40% of the adults in Georgia have high school educations and really, they would vote for a vampire if the vampire ran as a republican. I know this because I was born and raised in Georgia and common sense is not a part of the mentality of the majority of people in this state.

Lene', IL   December 3rd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Doesn’t she have a new baby and a job in Alaska? It seems as though her priority is seeking glory and attention for herself.

I honestly don’t think her campaigning for Chambliss had any real affect on the outcome of this election and is just Sarah trying to keep the spotlight on herself.

hugh ~ california   December 3rd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Jack,
It means Sarah Palin has finally campaigned for a candidate who won! Now she can feel like a real winner.
Actually it means nothing, Sarah Palin is just a poster child for the republican party. These crowds certainly aren’t showing up in droves because of her intelligence. It’s all fluff, face powder and makeup. In about 10 years that will all be over. This “Caribou Barbie” will start looking more like one of “The Golden Girls” and no one in her party will care where she shows up. She wouldn’t be able to get a 30 second spot on “The Young & The Restless.”

Winton from Alaska   December 3rd, 2008 2:25 pm ET

It means she is still riding her popularity wave and trying to stay in the news and limelight. Her brief stay in the spotlight probably has her itching for more attention. Maybe Alaska is not big enough for her. Its time for her to move to the ‘lower forty-eight’ where she can have ready access to photo-ops and such.

Ray in Nashville   December 3rd, 2008 2:26 pm ET

It just means that she’s still a celebrity in the eyes of the conservative wing of the GOP. Chambliss was only in a run-off because of a third party candidate and was never in any real danger of losing his seat.

Howard M. Bolingbrook IL   December 3rd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

The Chambliss win means nothing for Palin. Chambliss was going to win with or without Gov. Palin. Ga. is a very conservative state in the conservative south. The GOP is becoming more and more regional party. Big deal !!!

Katty OR   December 3rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

For Palin it really means nothing. Georgia was going to vote Republican no matter what. The only reason she was even there was to appease her supporters.
I am looking forward to seeing her run and LOSE - and she will!

Bill, Quarryville, Pa.   December 3rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

It doesn’t mean anything. He would have won weather she campaign for him or not. If she had any smarts she would stay up in Alaska out of the spotlight and brush up on her knowledge of world affairs and the problems concerning our country. She is only a show for the extreme religious right in her party and nothing more. She is not in touch with the mainstream thinking of the American voter. The sooner her party realizes this the better off they both will be. Every time she shows up in the lower United States it is like a dog and pony show with the squeaky voice with no substance to her speech. Every time I see her on TV it’s like listening to a scratchy record that you know by heart. The other night I fell asleep with the news on, only to wake up to Palin’s voice scaring the hell out of me, making me think that the election wasn’t over and she still had a shot at the White House.

Paula in the middle of America--Illinois   December 3rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Nothing

Dee Evans   December 3rd, 2008 2:30 pm ET

I don’t understand how so many are spinning this Georgia election as some kind of a huge Republican victory.

If anything, this should be a moral boost for the Democrats that a Republican incumbant was forced into a run-off in one of the reddest of red states in our country.

For Republicans to be jumping for joy over this is like Laker fans celebrating a 2 point overtime win over the Knicks!

Bruce H   December 3rd, 2008 2:31 pm ET

SInce she was not running, its hard to say what impact she had on the run off election. However, I suspect she will take credit. I believe she had almost no effect on the outcome and thus it should be meaningless.

Anthony Smith   December 3rd, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Not much! When first asked to visit Georgia, Palin said ok because she thought she was going to be closer to her Russian neighbors.

Wildwood Crest, NJ

mel from ohio   December 3rd, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Chambliss was going to win anyway. As you noticed, the Dems did not put a lot of time and effort into trying to defeat him. It was almost like they said “Let the Repubs have that one, we’re moving on”……Of course, Palin’s folks in Alaska are not too pleased with her lack of attention to their state. The question to ask is what do Palin’s self-centered actions say about her commitment to anybody or any issue other than those that revolve around her?!!

Pamela - Ohio   December 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Jack,
I hope that it means we are not going to keep hearing about her. I’m not angy with the press that Sarah is getting. I am disappointed with the people who keep giving it to her. She loves the microphone, the camera, and the attention. And everytime she winks or blinks we have to hear about it. Why??? Nothing coherent comes from her mouth. Nothing of substance.
She is who she is. Perhaps she is of average intelligence, and that is stretching it. Not someone that I personally would like to have making any decisions for me or the land I live in. That does not make her a bad person; just a person who should not be given much responsibility or credibility. Why so much airtime???

Ray Kinserlow   December 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It means if she runs in 2012, she has a small chance of winning Georgia’s electoral votes. Elsewhere, right now, she’s pretty much dead meat in that contest.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

Beverley, Fredricksburg Va   December 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It means that Sarah has one friend in Washington. For the last three weeks, every major player in the Republican Party has been trying to diminish her star power and front runner status for 2012! I don’t like Mrs. Palin or her politics but I like even less how the Republicans are treating her after she did their bidding!

Hayley A.   December 3rd, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Don’t get me wrong, I want Palin to run in 2012. Not only would Barack have a lock on a second term, but it would be great entertainment. The victory in Georgia was already inevitable, all she did was bring more attention to it due to her media draw. She is celebrity, not a real politician. If the Republicans have any sense, they will decide it’s time for the joke to be over and get someone who has a real shot in there.

Don in Fort Gratiot MI   December 3rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

it means Jack Squat.. Jack… Remeber - Stevens lost in her state and the GOP just got their butts kicked in the election where she campaigned everywhere… I really doubt she has a positive impact to the voters in most states other than a few.

pete in hamilton ontario   December 3rd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

it seems that ms palin has more interest in politics outside of alaska than within the state. my question to you jack: who has been governing alaska over the past 3 months?

Annie, Atlanta   December 3rd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

She will have all the support she needs here in GA if she decides to run in 2012. This is one of a handful of holdouts where people HATE Democrats, from the smartest and richest on down. And they make sure to pass that hate on to their kids so the cycle continues. Scary.

Dee Evans   December 3rd, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Give me a break! Sarah Palin had about as much to do with Chambliss getting re-elected in one of the reddest of red states in the union as she had to do with my dog getting fleas!

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   December 3rd, 2008 2:37 pm ET

It just means Sara is quite at home with turkeys whether it is saving them or butchering them doesn’t really seem to matter. Palin will believe in her own mind she saved Chambliss and Chambliss will believe he did it all on his own.

The moral of the story is Georgia did it to themselves.

Christine, Edmeston NY   December 3rd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

It means that the GOP wanted to give her some photo ops and a PR boost by putting her in a situation where the Republican candidate wasn’t going to lose anyway. Alas, the grooming process has just begun.

Karl from SF, CA   December 3rd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

It means she got another free trip to the lower 48 and a chance to dispaly her partial sentence speakig style. DId she ever actually mention Chambliss name? It was mostly re-runs of campaighn sound bites, the partial sentences I mented prevuiously. I’ d say most thinking people outside of Georgia were underwhelmed.

Mary Jo from Pittsburgh   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

It’s just one more excuse to drag her feet and delay returning to Alaska to do the job the citizens hired her to do. Govern.

C from Eatonton, GA   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Not a thing. She is irrelevant.

Chambliss won due to his good old boy accent and his clear prejudices. The vote was an anti-Obama, anti-progress vote, not pro-Chambliss…

sandra/canada   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Dear Jack: The fact that Sarah Palin is even relevant in light of all the serious problems facing us as North Americans is just plain depressing.

sandra/edmonton

Vicki Arlington, TN   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Jack, it means absoutely nothing…he was going to win anyway.

Andrea, GA   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

When will Palin stop making a spetical of herself. She is having a big problem staying in Alaska and taking care of he business there. She has limited appeal and limited true knowledge about anything of importance. She is really great at appealing to bigots and fools. Palin didn’t help Chambliss win. Chambliss was going to win because the majority of the people who live in this state are still fighting the Civil War. Georgia is a perfect example of a state caught between education and stupidity.

Dee in Florida   December 3rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Jack,

It means that her head will swell. She will think she was the catalyst.

And it probably means they are birds of a feather.

If the Christmas elves would grant me one wish, it would be that Sarah Palin would be sucked into a black hole, never to be heard from again!

Sarah   December 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

It means when you want to turn out the far right voters then Palin’s your man. Sorry I mean woman. I think.

Jack in DC   December 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Jack

It doesn’t mean anything. Georgia was always going to stay red, Martin had his chance on Nov 4 when the young and minority vote came out for Obama. With Obama’s victory, there was no way anybody (not even Obama) was going to get them to come out and stand in line again.

I guess you still had to insinuate that Palin was the reason Chambliss won so you could stir up the liberals and feel good about yourself.

Gina in Racine, Wi   December 3rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I really hope that the Republican’s keep her front and center because we will just continue to have landslide elections favoring the Democratic Party.

What happened in Georgia wasn’t about Sarah Palin…..it means that the Evangelical’s in Georgia…..and the Republican’s that voted just so the Democrat’s couldn’t have another Democratic Senator……came out in droves.

JD, North Carolina   December 3rd, 2008 2:48 pm ET

It means it is time for her to do something she hasn’t done since August… her job as Governor.

Carl D. Marsh   December 3rd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Jack: The US Auto manufacture has kept the Big Oil Companies making billions of profit for a long time. Don’t you think it is full time for Shell, Exxon-Mobile, Chevron, etc help out the US Auto Industry?

If these oil companies call themselves good corporate citizen of the United States, then it is full time for them to pitch in to stabilized our economy. If we sink we will all sink together and if we make it, we will all come back together

Carl

Lenore in Kansas   December 3rd, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Means she’ll always do well in Georgia, a conservative Southern state.

pat tennessee   December 3rd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Palin was singing to the choir, it means nothing more than that.

David,San Bernardino,CA.   December 3rd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

It means that the people of Alaska wish Palin would leave for good so they can elect a real governor.

Tom, Bradenton,FL   December 3rd, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Palin is the future of the Democratic Party. If she keeps running the Dems can save the campaign money and spend it something useful.

Tina (Texas)   December 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

It means nothing. She has to get Alaska back on track since the oil industry is dropping in price and they pay their citizens money. If she bombs there she is toast and I won’t have to wear ear plugs when the woman opens her trap.

Steve of Hohenwald TN.   December 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Amazing! A republican won in a ruby red state, and Palin campained for him, woweeee kazoweee! An idiot on the campain trail is steal an idiot, but makes for good entertainment.

LUCY - ILLINOIS   December 3rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

It means nadda, he was going to win anyway, unfortunately. Im sure Mr. Martin was their best bet, seemed like a nice, level headed man. Wonder how long Palin begged for him to let her rally? She is a flop. She is like the monkeys in the zoo, people like to listen and laugh at her too. If that is the best the GOP has, they better call it quits.

Jim Bailey   December 3rd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

It means we have to put up with listening to her.
I thought folks went to Alaska to get away from the rat race and hubbub of civilization. Wish she would.

Jwal, Tx   December 3rd, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I hope that Sarah does not run for the 2012 election, to save the American tax paying people, from hearing and listening to a repeat of a joke from 2008.

Michelle, New Haven CT   December 3rd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

She’s bought herself enough time to read Constitution AND learn Constitutional principles, study geography, enconomic theory, international politics, national social service programs and policies, and really learn the issues facing individuals with disabilities and how to solve them. Good luck to her, she has quite a bit of homework to do before she can be a real serious national political leader. Otherwise, she will remain a national joke.

John, Fort Collins, CO   December 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It appears Sarah Palin is already well positioned to be the standard bearer for the Republican Party, with no need to wait for 2012. She has proven she can draw a crowd, but it is generally limited to rural, religious-right whites. If she becomes the party leader, the Republicans will become even more exclusive and irrelevant as they fade off into history.

Markel Houston   December 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Sarah Palin’s appearance in Georgia on behalf of Saxby Chambliss means nothing. It had no effect whatsoever on the outcome of that runoff. Palin got to visit Georgia and more face time in front of the cameras.

There was no contest to begin with. No amount of campaigning by anyone would have saved Martin. His constituency is not interested in him. It was the worst kept secret of the election that Martin didn’t stand a chance because Georgians couldn’t see beyond the dazzle that is Barack Obama. The run-off was due to straight-party voting in the general election.

Henry in Connecticut   December 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It means absolutely nothing. A lot of people campaigned for him. And he had more votes than his Democratic rival in the general election. It was just that there had to be a runoff election because a third party candidate had enough votes to prevent either Chambliss or his Democratic opponent from getting more than 50% of the vote. All the contests in this country should provide for runoff elections. If there had been a runoff election in Florida in the 2000 presidential election, Gore would have gotten elected, and this country would be in much better shape than it is right now.

T. G. from the virgin islands   December 3rd, 2008 2:59 pm ET

It means that the Democratic Party’s dream for a filibuster majority in the Senate is as dead as Ted Stevens’ career.

Jim, Kansas   December 3rd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Sarah Palin lost the November election fair and square. Anyone who has gone to one or her rallies since then needs to get a life.

Lucas in Pawling NY   December 3rd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

It means it’s time for a new wardrobe courtesy of the GOP.
Come on guys pay up, she really earned it.

Mari Fernandez, Salt Lake City, Utah   December 3rd, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Hi Jack, means absolutely …………..zero! Palin is not responsible for his win, the people of Georgia who decided not to vote are responsible for the evil Saxby’s win. Shame on them!

Mary from Houston, tx   December 3rd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

If voters chose bush, why wouldn’t the same people choose Palin?
Maybe the electorate needs to be tested to vote!

bob, oshawa, ontario   December 3rd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Jack, it means that she is managing to stay in the media spotlight if only for comedic relief. Shakespeare would have used her for such a role as a counterbalance to the main characters such as Obama and his cast of cabinet members.

Tom   December 3rd, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Jack,

Keeping with the spirit of the season and the reality of the current state of the economy, …
… you can just bet your boots that she has just placed her Presidential aspirations for 2012 on Lay-A -Way, … , you’re darn tootin’ , ’bout that!

Tom in
Middletown, Delaware

George   December 3rd, 2008 3:05 pm ET

It means that the Republicans that didn’t vote in November wanted to make sure that there was no 60 Democrat Senate, got off their cans, and voted for Saxby.

Diane, Barneveld, NY   December 3rd, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Paves the way for her to run as President because it proves people will listen to any exaggerations as pure fact. Of course, we already knew that when those same people voted Bush in twice. What goes around comes around? Why does it keep coming around?

wally Ruehmann las vegas nv   December 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

it means she is not doing the job she is being paid to do, work for the people of Alaska. she believes she is something she is not. her religion has her mind very confused. she is a bad joke…..

Kathy in Chicago   December 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Jack, It means, like it or not, Sarah Palin is the future of the Republican Party.

John in Arizona   December 3rd, 2008 3:06 pm ET

It means that her appeal with her base - moose hunters, snowmobilers and southern rednecks - is intact.

Judy, Exeter, Calif,   December 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

It means nothing. It was in Georgia for crissake. She is “a legend in her own mind”.

Cynthia   December 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

It means absolutely nothing that Palin went there. I believe if President Elect Obama had gone to Georgia Martin would have won.

Linda in Florida   December 3rd, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Why do we keep giving her air time and keep talking about her?

steve in pensacola   December 3rd, 2008 3:09 pm ET

It was token “gimme” for her resume. No matter what they do to try to legitimize her for 2012, she’ll never fly with any but the most extreme right. They need to hit Nieman for some bullet-proof stilettos for the next time she shoots herself in the foot, I am surprised she didn’t reiterrate “We’re all Georgian’s now.” LOL

Steve of Hohenwald TN.   December 3rd, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Jack, some people may think she is one of us, and that may be so, but is all the more reason she should stay in Alaska. When we elect a leader we want them to be able to relate to us, not be one of us. My neighbor may be one of us, but I damed shure don`t want him being president. As for her haveing a few followers, so did Jimmy Jones, and we all know how that turned out. Hopefully all it means is, she is going to continue to provide us with lots of good wholesome christan entertainment.

Agnes from Scottsdale, AZ   December 3rd, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Jack: It means that the south is solidly Republican and firmly “fly over” country. Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to progressive, forward looking citizens of either party. This was her swan song. No doubt the GOP top dogs will put a lid on her, except when they’re afraid they can’t get a full audience at an event. She’s great at pulling in the dinosors!

Pugas-AZ   December 3rd, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I don’t think we should read much into it. Saxby probably would have won with her or without her speaking for him. Maybe she should be sitting in with the automakers and help them with their bailout. She could help subsidize their turn-around with Alaskan oil money-oops that’s about gone too!

B. D. in Saugerties, NY   December 3rd, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Just because Chambliss won doesn’t mean Palin is any less of a loser. He was expected to win with or without her help. After all he is an incumbant running in a red state. As for Palin, she’s still a laughing stock here in the blue State of New York.

Melanie, Germany   December 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I have a question for you, Mr Cafferty : Why is that every time something “good” happens in the Republican party, Sarah Palin gets all the credit for it ?

Arnold,WV   December 3rd, 2008 3:20 pm ET

I believe Palin will have a little clout.I’m a republican who supported Obama all along,although I would vote for Palin over Hillary Clinton and am not the least happy with Obama for letting her muscle into his cabinet.

Aaron G   December 3rd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Come on Jack; a Republican won in a runoff election in GEORGIA. What did you expect?

Charlie   December 3rd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

It means nothing. She had no roll or effect. Time for different topics.

Tripp Mechanicsburg, PA   December 3rd, 2008 3:22 pm ET

It means that she has been successful in selling her idea of the “real America” to the good people of Georgia. Consider what Saxby Chambliss did when he mauled Max Cleland’s reputation. A viper could not spew forth any more venomous lies to defame a valiant war hero. Chambliss represents the worst face of the Republican Party and yet Sarah Palin sings his praise to the heavens and continues to rally “real Americans” to her cause. Smart Republicans need to shout her down now and rebuild their Party around “real Christian” values or expect to lose in any national election from here on out.

Jeff from Sturgis, MI   December 3rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

It means that Palin didn’t hit the campaign trail early enough to damage Chambliss’ chances of winning the same way she damaged McCain’s chances in the general election.

JIM   December 3rd, 2008 3:24 pm ET

My buddy Jack Cafferty. It doesn’t mean anything for Sarah Palin. She can draw crowds.. Taht was the reason she was there. Her future will depend on her performance in the next 4 years. Chambliss did win so she must have helped him. Sorry about that Jack.

KCLaw   December 3rd, 2008 3:27 pm ET

It helped in that it motivated those who were going to vote for Chambliss to get out and vote. I doubt she changed any “uncommitted” votes in GA anymore than she did in the National election.
What you media people don’t seem to get is that people like Palin really only appeal to those who already have her mindset to begin with. Palin will never be the serious candidate of the more centrist Republicans.
The “firewall” against a “liberal tsunami” issue was probably a bigger motivator than a Palin or McCain endorsement.

kendall   December 3rd, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Hopefully it means that her time in the national spotlight is ending! I am a woman and am all for womanpower, but only for those deserving and educated enough. All this

With any luck, it will be the end of her taking up space in the news where more deserving stories can once again take center stage. The media is keeping this woman alive, let her go, please.

kendall

pittsburgh,pa

Claude Calgary Alberta   December 3rd, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Jack, it means she is a good cheer leader. Prime Minister Harper here in Canada should recruit Sarah Palin to help Conservative Government stay in power. If you are uncertain about our own politics our current Government maybe taken over by a Coalition of three opposition parties.

Denise D. (Montréal)   December 3rd, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Absolutly nothing. This state is red as it can be. Jim Martin was a hitch in a difficult year for Republicans. How could she influence a result with 200 words vocabulary? Only with morons…Sorry for them.

Brady   December 3rd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I don’t think that it means anything for Palin. Somebody who she campaigned for won. That isn’t exactly a big deal or a resume-shaker.

Brady from Columbus, Ohio

Tony in Michigan   December 3rd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

It means-
1) Sarah Palin is liked by Republicans in Georgia (no big suprise).

2) Sarah Palin was not doing her job as Alaska’s governor.

Pete, Fla.   December 3rd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Listen, the fact that Saxby Chambliss won having had Sarah Palin campaign for him does not necessarily mean that Palin has powerful influence or that she is very popular. The fact that the media continues to follow her every move and seek her opinion is what makes her a powerful, popular, and influential politician. She’ll be back… stronger, smarter, and more popular than ever.

Bruce St Paul MN   December 3rd, 2008 3:31 pm ET

She was in her element. If she is still around in 2010, and the GOP is having trouble rallying the uneducated narrow-minded element of their base, I’m sure they will give her a call.

just me   December 3rd, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Time for Palin to return to Alaska where she is supposed to have a job but she is too busy basking in the limelight. Her 15minutes of fame are long over.

Tommy Tx   December 3rd, 2008 3:33 pm ET

It means she can win the GOP base.We already knew that,however.Doesn’t Ms. Palin ever devote time to her real job-gov.of Alaska?

Rex in Portland, Ore.   December 3rd, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Coincidence.

Matt   December 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

The forces of darkness and evil are still present……..

Matt Saint Augustine, Fl.

Bev, Los Angeles, California   December 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Who in this world would care. She has got to be the most superficial politician in the world (and that’s saying a lot after W)! She know very little about policy in the world and knows less about everyday people. She thinks we’re all stupid (like her) and underestimated us a great deal. She can keep her little conservative base and be inconsequential.

Mary - Arlington, VA   December 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

It means the Palin novelty has not worn off yet. I suspect in a year or so, all of this hype will die down. Let’s face it, we as a people have a short attention span. In the next few years, we’ll find out who the new leader of the Republican party really is. As far as Palin, she’d be wise to lay low and do her homework so she’ll be ready and can be taken seriously as a contender, and not the butt of jokes on the late night comedy circuit.

Martha Lynne - Los Angeles, CA   December 3rd, 2008 3:35 pm ET

It means she likes to be in warmer weather whenever she can.

Jill   December 3rd, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I doubt that she helped Chambliss, really. Yes, he got more media attention, but did she deliver any votes for him? Likely not. If she can smarten-up, she could do some real good, but right now, she lacks the brain power. She needs to shut-up and do a lot of listening and learning. Let her take herself out of the limelight for two-years and do the brain-work that is needed. Then she might emerge as someone worth following.

Todd   December 3rd, 2008 3:37 pm ET

It doens’t mean anything for her, but I’m sure she will take all of the credit. Lets stop talking about her. The more we do, the more she will remain a topic for the media.

Janice Illinois   December 3rd, 2008 3:38 pm ET

It means nothing, If the rnc goes with this woman and doesn’ t search for new talent they are doomed and I don’t even dislike Mrs. Palin, it is what it is. She seems to be the new Tanya Harding, If she’s not careful she’ll end up in a wrestling ring. Yes, I’m serious!!!

Alex   December 3rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Squat

Darla (Edmonton, Canada)   December 3rd, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Chambliss’ run-off win had very little to do with Sarah Palin .. Georgia is conservative and the turn-out was significantly lower than for Election Day in November. What is going to be more telling about Sarah Palin’s future in the Republican Party is how the Alaskan electorate view her and the party between now and the 2010 election season. From what I’ve been reading, it appears her approval ratings have been dropping in Alaska and she hasn’t bothered to show up for work in Juneau since the McCain-Palin defeat. Somehow, I don’t think “stumping for Chambliss” is playing very well in the Great White North.

Mobolaji   December 3rd, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Jack,
It means she can only help people win or loose into office, while she can’t help herself win a major election. I am sure the old maveric will tell you what i mean.

Wichita,KS

john j. grimes   December 3rd, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Doesn’t mean a damn thing. Palin has had her 15 minutes of fame so I believe it’s time for her return home and take care of the job she was elected to do. Eight years of ineptness in Washington is enough for one decade so we cannot afford anyone with her lack of knowledge.

Jay G.
Watertown,ma.

Paula (Indiana)   December 3rd, 2008 3:44 pm ET

It means “the base” loves her and that the rest of us, who find her circumlocutory speech patterns as abrasive as nails on a blackboard, are doomed to a future of listening to her butcher the english language… Dick Cavett hit the nail on the head when he called dubbed her, “The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla” in an article he wrote. It’s a great read!

Jay in Texas   December 3rd, 2008 3:44 pm ET

It means that Sarah Palin is not satisfied with her job as Governor of Alaska and that she wants the national spotlight to remain on her. I think the subject of who is paying for all of these trips around the country should be examined and answers revealed by the news media who never misses an opportunity to shine the spotlight on her.
Brownwood, Texas

Roy - Chicago IL   December 3rd, 2008 3:45 pm ET

This was a Red win in a Red state…in reality I think a lot of Democrats stayed home for this one, seeing they already have the White house, and 58-59 seats in the Senate. Jack, John McCain and a lot of Republicans also campaigned there……..why are you giving her this credit? She could not get a Republican senator in ALASKA….remember?

Atlanta Charlie   December 3rd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Nothing! Sarah Palin has absolutely no appeal to the moderate and Independent voters. Chambliss won because he is in a southern state that blindly supports whoever is on the GOP ticket regardless of their qualifications. For heavens sake- they still drive around with “W” stickers on their cars! It’s the blind leading the blind! Their evangelic leaders have convinced them that they will go to hell if they vote Democrat! They have their heads burried so deap that it is embarrassing to admit that I live here!

Don (Ottawa)   December 3rd, 2008 3:46 pm ET

It means two things, jack. To Sarah Palin it means they love me and I can be President. To Chambliss it means Sarah can draw the crowd and enthuse the masses, all necessary to win an election.

Jenna Wade   December 3rd, 2008 3:48 pm ET

What does Saxby Chambliss’s win in Georgia mean for Sarah Palin who went there to campaign for him?

It doesn’t mean a thing..

Jenna
Roseville CA

Ed in Savannah, GA   December 3rd, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Jack: It doesn’t mean a thing. Georgia is the only state that by law requires a candidate to win by “50%+1″ in an election. If no one wins by that margin, a run-off election must be held between the top two vote getters. My wife and I winter here in Savannah and we arrived here about two weeks ago. We quickly learned that the locals considered a Chambliss victory inevitable as he had beaten Democrat Martin fairly easily on November 4, but third party candidates kept him from the magic “50%+1″ margin of victory. Georgia went for McCain/Palin, is a deep red republican state and in a head-to-head contest Martin really had no chance (hence Obama’s refusal to come here to campaign for Martin?). Yesterday’s election merely confirmed this, but Chambliss would have done as well without Palin’s help, although I’m sure she and her backers will tout this as an important step in her drive for leadership of the Republican party.

garrick   December 3rd, 2008 3:55 pm ET

hi jack
it means nothing for her,she only appeal to one set of people and they just happen to be small mines like her,it also shows alaska can run without her being their.
clearwater,fl

Bill from Maine   December 3rd, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Jack:

It doesn’t mean a darned thing — that race was extremely close to begin with and Sarah Palin’s “influence” is cosmetic anyhow. Oops, there I go again, referring to something akin to lipstick! That poor woman ought to just throw in the towel and sell Mary Kay products — she’s a natural!

Tom in New Hope, MN   December 3rd, 2008 3:59 pm ET

It means Sarah Palin will give the late night comedians a continuous source of comedy material. It is a joke if the Republicans think she is the new face of the party. The Republicans have lost their way and I guess now they are willing to just settle for a pretty face.

M Dixon Cedar Rapids, Iowa   December 3rd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It’s like the groundhog seeing it’s shadow. It means another 6 months of Palin. God help us!

M. Dixon
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   December 3rd, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Chambliss would’ve won anyway. Georgia is a conservative state and Palin draws large conservative crowds (which did nothing to help McCain win the General Election). If the Republicans want to promote her as the future of the Republican party, they can look forward to remaining the minority for many years to come. More power TO her-Palin in ‘12!

Jim   December 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Jack,

It means she’ll keep getting press attention for a while longer. It’ll be interesting to see if she gets any calls for help from GOP candidates in 2010. Of course, as an Obama supporter, I’m rooting for her. The thumping Obama would give her in 2012, if she’s dumb enough to run for president and if the GOP is dumb enough to nominate her, would make Obama/McCain look like a cliffhanger.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

Jenny from Nanuet, New York   December 3rd, 2008 4:05 pm ET

It means as much as it meant for McCain in the election Nov. 4th-nothing.

Mike - Hot Springs, Arkansas   December 3rd, 2008 4:08 pm ET

It means nothing. The people of Georgia do not seem to have a patriotic bone in their body. They elected Chambliss over two Viet Vets. He appeals to the dark side of the South and Palin made no diff. at all.

Roland   December 3rd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

It means that fresh peaches will be served at the Alaska Governor’s mansion a little more often.

Hopefully Alaskans will see a drop in the price of fresh peaches in their supermarkets too, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. They’ll probably have to settle for peanuts.

Roland
St. George, UT

Jerry Foster   December 3rd, 2008 4:10 pm ET

It means that Republicans in Georgia prefer Chamblis over Martin. What it means for Sarah Palin is up to you guys in the media to determine. Some will say without her he would not have won, others will say that Chamblis’ win margin would have been much greater without her. Bottom line is more Republicans got to the poles than Democrats. Maybe Repulicans have better cars and more gas, perhaps you should take a poll.

Ray Bucargo   December 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

It doesn’t mean anything.

Republicans were scared of a Democratic sweep in Congress and they defaulted to a red candidate.

Liberal in Los Angeles, CA   December 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Nothing!!! She’s in the limelight by default. The media continue to report on her as if she did something good for all mankind. She needs to go back to work in Alaska!!!

Jim Cowan   December 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

It means the state of Geogia has no shortage of idiots.

Brad, Tennessee   December 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Nothing Jack, she’s still just a national joke.

Jon Gill,philadelphia   December 3rd, 2008 4:12 pm ET

It means nothing I believe. She just helped get one of the most dishonorable members of the senate back in.
Helping Chambliss only dims her star more.\
I was in Atlanta during the last week of his first campaign. I was appalled at what he had to say about Max Cleland. He and Palin deserve each other

Bruce Marshall   December 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Jack it means that the people in Georgia are as dumb as those in Alaska

Jeannie, North Carolina   December 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

The fact that she drew such large enthusiastic crowds shows that she was in her element… lots of people in that neck of the woods are just as ignorant as she is.

David Bakody Dartmouth NS   December 3rd, 2008 4:13 pm ET

What does it mean…. it means that the GOP now have their #1 hands down candidate for 2012 or 2016…. it’s all in the bag…. no others need apply. It’s just that simple…or is it?

Sigrid Wyly   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

It means her ridiculously enormous ego will continue to bloat. Hopefully, she will become airborne and drift into Russian airspace.

Andy Solomon   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

I think he would have won anyway. It’s a deeply Republican
state and she is popular there. There is still a lot of resentment
that she lost the election for John McCain.
Andy S. Los Angeles

Sindia in Cleveland   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

THANK YOU JACK! Its about time someone pointed out she is not as popular in Alaska anymore. Now to your question… It means she got her face on TV AGAIN! Why can’t Palin just GO AWAY! How about she get back to work and take care of her kids!

Donna Fischer   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Hopefully it means nothing…I still don’t think she’s fit to run this country!

Meow   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

No one cares about Palin anymore. It’s ridiculous that she’s still getting media attention and credit for Saxby’s win. Palin = Old News.

Tommy, Chicago IL   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

It means NOTHING! Chambliss was going to win no matter what. With Obama’s name not on the ballot, the African American and young voter turnout was not as great as it was on Nov 4th.

Joshua Stevens   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

It means she obviously wants to keep herself in the spotlight. I feel we are going to see her clamor for whatever spotlight she can grasp in the coming years. Here’s a thought: SHE’S STILL THE ALASKA GOVERNOR! She needs to concentrate on the job she was elected for and stay out of the national spotlight for a while. Proving she is a capable governor will be much more impressive than footstomping for a shoe-in candidate.

Joshua Stevens
Rapid City, SD

Dan   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Jack, it probably means she will send him some moose steaks for Christmas in order to secure his support for any future political aspirations she may have. (BTW, this is not a slight against moose. The steaks ARE quite tasty.)

Dan
Vancouver, Canada

Christine B   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

The main reason Chambliss won is because GA is a red state that would have required a huge scandal to keep him out of office. Palin was merely preaching to the choir; she has no pull with centrists and certainly not the Left. She’ll have her hands full dealing with the huge loss of Alaska oil royalties the the price of crude so low. This will be the last hiccup we hear from her in hopefully a very long time.

Christine
Los Angeles

Barb   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

If Sarah Palin is responsible for the win in GA, I pity the republicans. I listened to about one minute of her speech in which she repeated the exact same phrazes three times. She still cannot put together an intelligent sentence. Thank God I voted for Barack!

Jacob, Lake City MI   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Jack this just means that we are going to have to keep hearing about Governor HockeyMom. I wish she would just go back to Alaska so we could all be done with her.

Kelly Brickner   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

It means that she must be the face of the GOP for the foreseeable future, and this Democrat calls that an invaluable gift.

Dennis   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It means that “Cute” always works in the media — with or without
substance.

Sully 254   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Keep it in Georgia….. Keep it in Georgia

Sue   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It means nothing. The big story here is NOT that Chambliss won; but that there was even a run-off election needed! The Republicans should have won this outright on November 4th!
Sue-Sioux Falls, SD

Karen - Missouri   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It tells me the people in Georgia can’t speak English either. Palin projects nothing but illiteracy, so it means nothing to me what Palin does.

David Krause   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It means she’s definately a presidential candidate for 2012. That is just great news for the Democrats. Come 2012 she’ll actually have to answer the hard questions the media throws at her. Then the whole world will see just how under qualified she really is.

John   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

And I thought it was hard to get Hillary to stop.

C. Aaron McNeece   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

That’s an easy one, Jack. She should move to Georgia. She would fit in perfectly.

C. Aaron McNeece
Tallahassee, FL

ED   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It means, there are two names that I don’t want to hear (Paris and Palin).

jr   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I live in and work in Cobb county, GA ( completely RED). Dont believe the hype! No one was talking about Palin helping Saxby, only on the news!

Alton Drew   December 3rd, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Jack:

It doesn’t mean anything. Mr. Chambliss won because of low voter turnout by Obama supporters and the conscious desire by some voters to maintain some checks and balances on the new chief executive and the majority power. What it does mean is that too many of us are still unware as to how our system of government works by taken for granted who sits in the Congress regardless of who sits in the White House.

Alton Drew
Atlanta

larry   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Jack:

It looks like the deer in GA should get their antlers trimmed lest they be thought to be moose from Palin’s “Alaska One” helicopter. You never know what she might do wherever she goes.

Anna from PA   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

I dont know what it means for Saxby, but I hope this is the last we hear of her. Hockey Mom has no business in Politics, she needs to be back home in Alaska, taking care of her children (like hockey moms claim they do), keep the pro-life children procriating and teaching them the bible.

Ray Moser   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It means the depth and breadth of her answers will remain as shallow as it was during the Presidential campaign. If the GOP right wing gets her nominated in 2012 (barring a complete Obama disaster the next 4 years) it will set the conservative movement back for decades.

Sylvia, Boston, MA   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It reaffirms my belief of who makes up the base of the Republican party. Small minded and behind the times. GA makes me think of “Gone with the Wind”

Geri in Wyomissing, PA   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It means she’s exposed herself again, is still green, can read off of a monitor but still hasn’t shown depth or great political knowledge.

Laura in Tulsa   December 3rd, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It means the People in Georgia were gonna vote for Chambliss anyway. It says nothing of the rest of the country.